Embers (Bayverse LeonardoxReader)

•Chapter Eighteen•

Guys I'm back for real this time! I'm sorry for the silence! Important announcement at the end of this chapter!

Enjoy!
                                      •••

"Y/n! It is so good to see you again!" Hayden Olli greets you with a cheery smile, shaking your hand firmly while you sit down. "How have you been?"

"I've been great, actually." You respond genuinely, smiling at the older man. "How are you?"

"I've been well. I'm excited for our interview, although, it's just a formality." Hayden explains, sitting down in his office chair and opening a manila folder.

"What does that mean?" You inquire, wondering what his statement implied.

"I've almost already made up my mind that you're perfect for this job." He states, making your heart flutter. Your mind falls back to the comment April made about Hayden making her uneasy. You couldn't see it. Hayden was so charismatic and confident, charming and decent.

Your cheeks turned hot at his comment. "Thank you."

"Anytime." He replies. "So, let's begin. Your résumé. It's a bit thin."

You did your best to not allow a visual representation on how his words made you feel. Your stomach twisted in knot and you felt uneasy.

"Yeah, after I graduated high school, I shadowed my sister in her work for Channel Six News. I practiced my photography there, without officially being tied down to the job." You explained hurriedly.

"I see. A good experience."

"Yes, it...doesn't look good on paper though." You clear your throat, lowering your voice.

"No trouble. I've seen enough of your talent at the Knicks game and on your website. I am...truly impressed."

The way this man spoke. The way he carried himself and just...was...reminded you of someone, and you couldn't put your finger on it. Nerves, you promised yourself. "Thank you."

"Of course! Now, tell me about your photography. What makes you photograph the things you do? The angles, the lighting. Enlighten me, if you will." Says the man, leaning forward on his desk. "I'm intrigued."

"Thank you sir." You smile. "Uhm...well I don't know where to start."

"Please, remember? Hayden is just fine. Now-" Hayden is cut off by the ringing off his phone.

You nod, indicating for him to take it. He returns an apologetic smile, before holding a finger. "One second, Y/n."

He picks up the phone. "Hello?"

You couldn't make out the words on the other end of the line, but you could clearly see Hayden's face contort in discomfort.

"I-I see...yes. Mhm.......I'll......10 minutes."

You watch in confusion as Hayden hurries to hang up the phone, looking at you with a distressed gaze. "Y/n, I am so sorry. Something urgent has come up, would you be willing to come back tonight?"

You nod slowly. "Of course. What time?"

"Uhm...well if you're comfortable with meeting after hours, does 7:30 work? The office closes at 7:00, so it's not too late after closing." As he spoke, Hayden gathered his things and pulled on his coat.

"Yeah, that's fine." You say politely, following the man to the doors to his office. "Uhm...good luck with...thank you." You fell over your words as you left his office, and after you'd made it out onto the street, you released a breath you didn't even know you were holding.